Temporary Restitution Specialist

ABOUT SOTHEBY'S

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

THE ROLE

• To provide a global cross-departmental research facility on the 1933- 1945 provenance of works of art coming for potential sale at Sotheby's.
• To represent the Restitution department at internal and external meetings maintaining the highest level of expertise and professionalism
• To manage claims and inquiries related to provenance of works of art for period 1933-1945.

RESPONSIBLITIES

• Managing the review of cataloguing for forthcoming auctions to look for positive indications that any work of art may have been stolen or displaced in the period 1933 to 1945
• Run the sale checking process globally, to support the Global Head of Research, with a focus on Hong Kong and European sale rooms (Cologne, London, Paris, Zürich) in a timely manner.  Oversee the basic checking process of junior colleagues in London and the Research Assistant in Amsterdam, to identify suspicious moments in the provenance. When necessary, carry out further in-depth research under the supervision of the Global Director and Global Head of Research
• Liaise with and manage the department’s database checkers
• Manage the provision of a research capability for Sotheby's cataloguers and specialists in pre-catalogue research of the provenance of works of art which have been or may be consigned for sale
• Liaising with relevant specialist departments re their sales and related deadlines (keep track of auction schedules, organize quarterly short meetings with head of research of the department to discuss the process and upcoming sale season). 
• Be point of contact for the ALR for WW II related issues.
• Maintain the information of the department (constant database / case folder update). Attend Arbeitskreis meetings
• To represent at Restitution related public events: conferences, symposia, either in tandem with the Restitution department and/or independently. To speak at such events as and when necessary
• To be one of the public faces of Restitution in external meetings related to the department work
• Maintain high levels of expertise and professionalism in all activities
• Operating at all times in accordance with the company's rules on compliance and corporate governance
• On-going provenance and picture research in archives and libraries within the UK and Europe, through co-operation with Sotheby's European offices and external researchers

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Ideally hold a Masters Degree in Art History (minimum requirement upper 2nd class graduate in Art History or Law) or equivalent
• Experience in archival research
• Excellent written and oral skills in English and German languages
• Proven office-based experience
• Computer literate with a working knowledge of Word, Access and Power Point
• Excellent communication and client service skills
• Have an organised and thorough approach to work, with an eye for detail.

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